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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 5th, 2022–Dec 6th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Cariboos, North Rockies, McBride, Premier, Quesnel, Sugarbowl, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Tumbler.

Seek out sheltered treeline terrain where low-density snow is preserved to find better riding conditions.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday operators in the region reported a natural windslab avalanche cycle to size 2 from the last 24 to 48 hours.

We've had limited reports from the region, however, expect to see avalanche activity increase as snow accumulates more than 20cm in wind-blown areas on Tuesday.

Please consider sharing your observations via the Mountain Information Network to help us and fellow recreationists.

Snowpack Summary

5 to 10 cm of low-density snow has accumulated in sheltered areas at treeline. This overlies faceted surfaces at treeline and a variety of wind-affected surfaces in the alpine.

A weak layer of surface hoar, facets, and melt-freeze crust can be found down 40-80 cm. This layer is more likely to be reactive where wind distribution has created a cohesive slab over it.

Snowpack depths range from 60 cm at treeline to 140 cm in the alpine. Below treeline snowpack is thin and faceted creating an additional challenge when accessing higher areas.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Cloudy skies and flurries begin during the night with widespread accumulation 5-10 cm. Strong ridge winds from the northwest. Alpine temperature -14.

Tuesday

Cloudy with flurries totaling 5-10 cm through most of the region. In localized areas, particularly around the Caribous, high snow-to-liquid ratios could produce enhanced snowfall at upper elevations that may exceed +15 cm.

Valley bottom winds remain light however ridgetop winds are forecast to be moderate gusting strong from the northwest. Alpine temperature low of -12.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud and isolated flurries, accumulating trace amounts of snow. Moderate west ridge winds. Alpine high temperature -8 and a low of -12.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud and isolated flurries, accumulating 2-5 cm. Strong southwest ridge winds. Alpine high temperature -9 and a low of -14.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.